Fed: Men more at risk of drowning

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2001
Fed: Men more at risk of drowning

A report by Royal Life Saving shows men account for 80 per cent of adult drownings in Australia.

The national drowning report says 269 people drowned in Australia last year -- 220 of them men.

And it's found younger men are particularly vulnerable -- because they take more risks.

DOUG GARSKE of Royal Life Saving says young men tend to do more dangerous activities,
such as water skiing, boating, rock fishing and jumping into rivers.

He says alcohol and drugs increase the risk of drowning, with alcohol estimated to
factor in 30 per cent of drowning deaths.

Mr GARSKE says most drownings occur in inland waterways such as lakes, rivers and dams
-- and common sense is the key to reducing the number of deaths.

AAP RTV jhm/sc/tb/rp

KEYWORD: DROWN (BRISBANE)

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